Section 4. Verbal Reasoning
- B and D The word in the first blank describes the tactic that the executive
used. This is clarified by “underhanded.” Of the choices in the first column,
the word closest in meaning to underhanded is cunning. The second blank
describes a trait that “devolved into indifference.” This implies that the
original trait was the opposite of indifference. Of the words in the blank, the
best match is enthusiasm. - B What kind of “byproduct” is digitization? It’s speedy and effective, and
capitalistic societies embrace such traits. It is thus most likely an “inevitable”
byproduct. Of the choices, the word closest in meaning to inevitable is
inexorable. - B and E Start with the second blank. If the pride “rendered her... sensitivity
inaccessible,” then what did it do to her feelings? A good prediction is
“masked.” Of the choices, the word closest in meaning is obscured. Now, move
on to the first blank. What kind of tone would a letter have if the feelings are
obscured? A good prediction is “guarded.” Of the choices, the word closest in
meaning is muted. - A and F Since other “seemingly insolvable problems have been unraveled,”
we can conclude that the “problem” in the first sentence is not insolvable. The
word in the first column closest in meaning is intractable. Since the issue is
whether the student has the “requisite resolve,” we can infer that the other
problems were solved through “resolve.” The word closest in meaning is
persistence. - C and D The words in the blank determine each other, so look for the best pair
of words to fit into both. The pair that best fits is flummoxed... self-interest. - C and E If amateur writers “write unnecessarily verbose prose,” then they
must equate verbosity with depth. Since these words are “unnecessary,” the
effect of the verbosity must be negative. Of the choices in column 2, the word
that best first is detrimental. - A The first boldfaced phrase provides the major claim of the argument; the
second boldfaced statement provides a claim in support of that major claim. - B Choice A contradicts the passage and is thus incorrect. Choice B can be
inferred from the following sentence: “When the energy consumption analysis
is approached from a life-cycle perspective, wherein both the energy needed to
construct the building as well as annual energy usage is included, the energy
inefficiency claim against historic buildings largely disappears.” Thus, choice
B is correct. Choice C is too extreme. Though the author mentions that “the
energy inefficiency claim against historic buildings largely disappears,” the last
sentence leaves open the possibility that differences might exist. - Sentence 4 In sentence 4, the author presents the passage’s major claim:
“When the energy consumption analysis is approached from a life-cycle
perspective, wherein both the energy needed to construct the building as
well as annual energy usage is included, the energy inefficiency claim against
historic buildings largely disappears.” In sentence 5, the author qualifies this
claim by stating that more research is necessary.
CHAPTER 15 ■ PRACTICE TEST 1 51105-GRE-Test-2018_463-582.indd 511 12/05/17 12:14 pm